#UpgradeYourWorld: Lets End Extreme Poverty by 2030

I believe that 1 billion people living in extreme poverty is unfair and unjust.

For the first time in history, we have the power to end this.

Everyone, everywhere should be able to survive and thrive,

and I will play my part to make this happen.

- Pledge of the Global Citizen.

A powerful pledge that tells a powerful story: a dream to make the world a better place. That is why Microsoft partnered with international education and advocacy nonprofit Global Poverty Project in its UpgradeYourWorld initiative that seeks to inspire and empower people around the world.

Let’s meet the change makers who have made it their mission to end extreme poverty by 2030.

Who are they?

Founded by Hugh Evans, a renowned development advocate, and Simon Moss, a campaigning and community education expert, Global Poverty Project aims to build a global movement to create change in the systems and policies—such as good governance and fair trading systems—that keep people trapped in poverty.

How are they doing it?

Aside from campaigning for policy changes within governments and corporations, Evans, Moss and their team wanted to build a platform that would engage and educate people (like you!) on current and future global challenges, and call for them to take action. And the result is Global Citizen: an online community for people who identify themselves as part of the generation of upstanders, not bystanders. By sharing stories and encouraging action, they want to make their voices heard—to fight for important global issues, and impact the decisions made by governing bodies.

Along with 193 governments, Global Citizen has set its Global Goals to achieve by 2030, focusing on mainly extreme poverty, climate change, and equality and justice for all. Over the past three years, the project has managed to raise more than USD16 billion and collected over 40 policy commitments from world leaders and corporations, which are set to improve the lives of up to 259 million people worldwide.

What are they doing with Microsoft?

Global Citizen is teaming up with Microsoft to catalyse this movement. As part of the Upgrade Your World initiative, both organisations will be co-hosting a panel discussion on the strategies and actions needed to be taken to create a sustainable future for those living in extreme poverty, as well as achieve the UN’s Global Goals.

In the words of Nelson Mandela, "It is always impossible until it's done."

Think you can make a positive impact to help end extreme poverty?

Become a #GlobalCitizen to #UpgradeYourWorld. Learn more about Global Citizen and its partnership with Microsoft here.